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Türkiye is seeking to join a defense alliance formed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, according to the report by people familiar with the matter, potentially creating a new security alignment that could affect regional balances.
The pact, initially signed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan in September, treats “any aggression” against one member as an attack on all, mirroring NATO’s Article 5.
Talks on Türkiye’s participation are at an advanced stage and a deal is considered likely, the sources said, speaking on condition of anonymity.
The sources said Türkiye’s interests increasingly overlap with those of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan across South Asia, the Middle East and Africa.
Ankara also views the arrangement as a way to bolster security and deterrence amid questions over U.S. reliability and President Donald Trump’s commitment to NATO, of which Türkiye is a member.
According to Nihat Ali Ozcan, a strategist at Ankara-based think tank TEPAV, Saudi Arabia would bring financial capacity, Pakistan nuclear capability, ballistic missiles and manpower, while Türkiye would contribute military experience and a developed defense industry.
Ozcan said shifting regional dynamics are prompting countries to seek new mechanisms to define security partnerships.
Türkiye’s Defense Ministry declined to comment. Pakistan’s Information Ministry did not respond to a request for comment, and Saudi authorities were not immediately available.
A Turkish decision to join the alliance would underscore a new phase in relations with Saudi Arabia after years of strained ties, as the two countries expand economic and defense cooperation.
They held their first-ever naval meeting in Ankara this week, according to the Turkish Defense Ministry.
The two also share concerns over Iran while favoring engagement, and support a stable Sunni-led state in Syria and Palestinian statehood.
Türkiye and Pakistan have long-standing military cooperation. Ankara is building corvette warships for Pakistan’s navy, has upgraded dozens of F-16s, and shares drone technology with both countries.
Türkiye also wants Saudi Arabia and Pakistan to participate in its Kaan fifth-generation fighter jet program, according to earlier reports.
The trilateral talks follow a cease-fire between Pakistan and India in May that ended a four-day military clash, and come amid ongoing tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan after clashes linked to accusations over militant groups.
Türkiye and Qatar previously mediated talks that ended without agreement.
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